S(Acts 15:26) ... men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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This was the only commendation provided for these believers. These men were sent out with the mission of settling another church's minds because others had confused them with strange religious burdens. Although these men were prophets capable of encouraging believers with truth (15:31, 32) what made them believable and worthy of attention was their pure commitment to serving Jesus Christ as their Lord.
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To risk my life for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a secret giving up on life or a stubborn indifference to danger. It is calculation to do the right thing even when the urge to self-preserve is mounting into a noisy panic. The commitment to love any person and all people joyfully and fully--despite opposition--is uniquely Christian. It's the opposite purpose of a suicide bombers or thieves.
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Lord, my desire to preserve my life is very strong--it's part of how you created us. You've also called me to a higher quality of living. May my life, like these guys, be defined by how I choose to live. When my accuser attacks, may I conquer by the power of Your own cross, by the testimony of my walk and words, and by loving You above my own survival (Revelation 12:10,11).
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